 See the Lives You’ve Transformed: 2025 GIFTS Rwanda Year in Review As we look back on 2025, we are filled with deep gratitude for you. Your generosity, belief, and partnership have continued to fuel meaningful, lasting change in Rugarika and beyond. Every milestone reached this year—every student supported, every mother empowered, every family strengthened—is possible because you chose to stand with us. Your commitment to the mission of GIFTS Rwanda has helped transform hardship into opportunity and hope. Now, we invite you to reflect on the impact you made in 2025. Because of your compassion, the journey toward dignity, education, and sustainability continues—one life at a time. We are profoundly thankful to walk this road with you. Together, we are building a legacy of hope, resilience, and opportunity. Unwrap Your 2025 Impact Here.  Honoring Our Founder: The Legacy of Shari Shelton In July of 2025, GIFTS Rwanda experienced a profound loss with the passing of our founder, Shari Shelton. Shari’s life was marked by deep compassion, bold faith, and an unwavering belief that sustainable change begins with dignity, relationship, and love. Shari founded GIFTS Rwanda with a simple but powerful vision: to walk alongside communities—not to rescue, but to empower. Her heart for the people of Rugarika shaped every program, every partnership, and every life touched through this work. In honor of Shari’s life and legacy, our community came together in an extraordinary way. Through the Tribute to Founder Shari Shelton campaign, $44,194 was raised—an outpouring of generosity that reflects the depth of her impact and the love so many held for her. While in Rwanda this summer, Al Shelton (Shari’s husband) and I had the honor of participating in a Celebration of Life ceremony in Rugarika. Surrounded by students, mothers, local leaders, and community members, we witnessed firsthand how deeply Shari was loved. The ceremony included songs, prayers, poetry, candlelight, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from those whose lives were forever changed because she believed in them. Shari’s legacy lives on—in the classrooms filled with students, in the sewing rooms where mothers build new futures, in the community center that brings people together, and in every stitch, harvest, and hopeful step forward. We are committed to carrying her vision forward with integrity, humility, and faith. Thank you for honoring Shari’s life by continuing to invest in the mission she held so dearly.  Together we ran our Giving Tuesday 2025: Empowering Women, Supporting Families campaign and you helped raise $36,236 for the following: ~Safe Housing for Eric & Jacques – $19,500 funded You are helping build a duplex home for Eric and Jacques, two teenage students facing unimaginable hardship and unsafe living conditions. Jacques’ father took his mother’s life and is now serving a life sentence. Jacques was separated from his siblings and currently walks hours each day to get to school. Eric recently lost his mother to cancer and now lives with his siblings and grandparents in extremely difficult conditions. This new home will give them safety, stability, and the support they need to continue in school. Once they are able to secure their own housing as adults, this home will continue serving other vulnerable children and mothers for years to come. Your gift creates generational impact. ~Food Support & Farming Empowerment – $3,300 funded You made it possible to provide food to families in urgent need, including Eric’s siblings, Jean, Rachel, and baby Peace. You also funded land cultivation for five families, giving them the ability to grow their own food and build long-term security. ~Scholarships for 154 Students – $30,000 funded (matched!) Your support ensures we can make the next two tuition payments, in January and April, so that 44 primary students, 101 secondary students, and 9 university students can stay in school. Many of these students have no family support at all. You became their support system yesterday. ~Tailoring Training for 25 Young Women – $2,300 needed to complete funding (and you covered it!) Because of you, 25 young women will finish their tailoring program, receive certificates, and receive their own sewing machines—launching careers that will support their families and uplift their community.   What Your Support Made Possible in 2025 Because of your generosity, GIFTS Rwanda was able to carry out the following projects in 2025—each one directly impacting lives in Rugarika and beyond: ~Community Center Completion & Furnishings Two community center buildings were fully completed in 2025, with final payments made and essential furnishings and equipment purchased to ensure the spaces are functional, welcoming, and ready for community use. Items included curtains, shelves, tables, mats, plastic chairs, a printer, cabinets, and a water tank—creating safe, equipped spaces for meetings, programs, and community gatherings. Total investment: $18,091 ~Education Enabled 150 students to attend school--44 in primary, 101 in secondary, and 5 in university—by providing full tuition, food, uniforms, and school supplies. Total investment: $42,350 ~Health Insurance Provided annual health insurance for 2,104 community members, an increase of 867 people from last year. Staff members Brigitte and Paterne also received comprehensive medical insurance, allowing their families access to medical care nationwide. Total investment: $4,600 ~Food Assistance & Milk Program Provided essential food support (rice, beans, cassava, sugar, cooking oil, and more) to orphaned students Eric, Jean, and Rachel. Continued milk support for Baby Peace, who was found near the GIFTS Rwanda premises. Total investment: $1,640 ~Farming & Nutrition Support Distributed 20 goats, chickens, and rabbits (with pass-on benefits after reproduction). Five families were supported with rented farmland and seeds, and a well-maintained vegetable garden continues to help families prepare balanced meals. Total investment: $4,900 ~Tailoring Program Trained a group of girls who had dropped out of school and young mothers who gave birth at home in tailoring skills, providing them with sewing machines to support sustainable income. Total investment: $5,495 ~Home Construction Provided a safe home, a goat, and access to clean water for a widow of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Total investment: $8,150 ~Women’s Empowerment Supported 20 women with resources and training to improve their livelihoods. These women are now operating sustainably. Total investment: $3,400 ~Hygiene & Clean Water Installed access to clean water, two water tanks, toilets for people with disabilities, and staff toilets at the GIFTS Rwanda site. Total investment: $3,012 ~Learning & Capacity Building Brigitte and Paterne participated in a learning exchange visit to MUSANA Community Development Organization in Uganda to strengthen programs and operations. Total investment: $1,738 ~Office Equipment & Infrastructure Added essential office equipment including cabinets, chairs, desks, and additional supplies to support daily operations. Total investment: $1,321 ~Leadership & Governance Held the legally required General Assembly, where members reviewed progress and strengthened organizational governance. Total investment: $628 ~Government Participation Participated in national programs including Liberation Day and commemorations honoring the innocent victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Total investment: $580 ~Donor Recognition Installed a donor recognition plaque at the GIFTS Rwanda office honoring those who make this work possible. Total investment: $110 ~U.S. Team Site Visit & Partnership Building Annie and Al visited GIFTS Rwanda to strengthen relationships, monitor programs, and support local leadership on the ground. Total investment: $9,141   GIFTS Rwanda: Recognized by the Rwandan Government in 2025 This year, GIFTS Rwanda achieved a milestone few nonprofits ever reach: multiple official recognitions from government leaders at both the district and sector levels. These awards are not just symbolic—they reflect trust, respect, and validation of the life-changing work YOU make possible every day. They reflect years of partnership, accountability, and community-led development across Kamonyi District and Rugarika Sector. ~January 30, 2025 – Kamonyi District Administration GIFTS Rwanda received a Certificate of Recognition honoring the organization’s outstanding contribution to the welfare of citizens throughout the district. The certificate recognized GIFTS Rwanda’s role in implementing impactful projects that foster sustainable development and uplift communities across Kamonyi District. ~August 5, 2025 – Kamonyi District A second Certificate of Recognition was awarded in appreciation of GIFTS Rwanda’s invaluable contribution to improving living conditions within the district. Government leaders acknowledged GIFTS Rwanda’s dedicated efforts and meaningful activities that have significantly promoted community well-being and development. ~August 28, 2025 – Women’s Group Development Recognition GIFTS Rwanda received official recognition (presented in Kinyarwanda) for its work in women’s group development, honoring the organization’s commitment to empowering women through vocational training, income-generating activities, and long-term sustainability initiatives. ~October 15, 2025 – Rugarika Sector Administration GIFTS Rwanda was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of its continued partnership, dedication, and commitment to supporting vulnerable residents of Rugarika Sector. The administration highlighted GIFTS Rwanda’s consistent presence and collaborative approach in serving the most at-risk members of the community. Why This Matters These recognitions are more than certificates—they are a testament to trusted partnerships, local leadership, and donor-supported programs that are creating lasting change. Government validation confirms that GIFTS Rwanda’s work is effective, respected, and deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Because of you, GIFTS Rwanda is not only changing lives—it is earning trust, strengthening systems, and helping shape a sustainable future in Rwanda.  2025 Rwanda Trip — A Journey of Impact, Celebration, and Deep Connection In August of 2025, our hearts led us back to the village of Rugarika, Rwanda. Over six transformative days, we reconnected with community members, celebrated milestones, witnessed courage and resilience, and experienced firsthand the powerful impact your support continues to make. Every step of this journey—documented in our Rugarika Trip 2025 blog series—is a testament to what is possible when compassion meets partnership. Highlights from Our Time in Rugarika: ~A Joyful Return & Warm Reunions We began our journey by reconnecting with long-standing friends and meeting baby Peace—found abandoned near the community center now embraced by a loving Rwandan family. We also saw firsthand the growth of the Community Center, complete with gardens, farm animals, sewing rooms, meeting spaces, a shop for local products, and offices for our in-country team. ~Empowering Women & Celebrating Graduates One of the most powerful days of the trip was the graduation ceremony for the latest New Mom Sewing Group. Close to 500 villagers gathered to celebrate 20 graduates—19 women and 1 young man—each receiving a sewing table and a sewing machine to launch their own businesses. The event included traditional dance, inspiring speeches from local officials, and heartfelt moments honoring determination and resilience. ~Stories of Hope & Resilience We traveled deep into rural areas to meet students facing significant challenges. We walked miles with young men like Jean de Dieu and Jacques, visited their homes, and pledged support that includes boarding school enrollment and long-term care. These interactions were humbling reminders of the courage and potential that exists when opportunity meets support. ~Community & Celebration of Life We joined in a Celebration of Life for our founder, Shari Shelton, where students offered songs, poetry, candles, and heartfelt tributes. It was a moment of deep gratitude—honoring her legacy and the ripple effect of a life lived in service. ~Faith, Fellowship & Local Culture Sunday worship with Paterne and the community filled us with renewed purpose. We shared meaningful exchanges, traded Namaste bracelets with local friends, and soaked in the rhythms of life in Rugarika. We also hosted a menstrual health and hygiene session, distributing reusable MoonCatcher kits made locally by the New Mom Sewing Group—bringing dignity and education together in a powerful way. ~Recognition & Local Impact We were honored that GIFTS Rwanda’s work was featured in the Rwandan press, particularly celebrating the sewing graduates and the growing influence of our programs. Local leaders highlighted the self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial skills being nurtured in the community. ~Bittersweet Goodbyes & Lasting Commitment As our time came to a close, we worked with Brigitte and Paterne to craft a thoughtful action plan for the year ahead, explored new opportunities like vocational training programs, and strengthened our bonds with leaders, families, and friends. Though we returned home physically, our hearts remain firmly rooted in Rwanda—and in the belief that the journey toward sustainable transformation continues.   Big News: GIFTS Rwanda Visited Musana In November 2025, our leadership team in Rwanda—Brigitte and Paterne—traveled to Musana Community Development Organization in Uganda to learn from a thriving model of sustainable, community-led development. This wasn’t just a field visit— it was an opportunity to grow, expand our perspective, and build new pathways for future impact. During their time in Musana, they: ~Explored schools, vocational training programs, and health centers that serve the community with dignity and purpose. ~Observed innovative systems of staff support, including housing and healthcare benefits for Musana team members—a model we hope to adapt in ways that strengthen GIFTS Rwanda’s own sustainability. ~Witnessed the power of community and faith, seeing how prayer, collaboration, and shared vision are woven into every aspect of Musana’s work. ~Met inspiring leaders and practitioners who graciously shared insights on building and growing self-sustaining programs for education, health, and economic empowerment. This Musana visit marked a turning point for GIFTS Rwanda—opening doors to deeper collaboration and strategic thinking about how we can continue to scale our impact in Rugarika with sustainability and dignity at the center. They came home inspired, equipped with ideas that will help our community thrive for years to come.  Fun Facts... You helped bring in $172,957.89 in 2025!! Here's how that compares to past years: 2024 raised $94,509 2023 raised $110,293 2022 raised $104,478 2021 raised $55,272 2020 raised $32,810 WAY TO GO!!!!!!! If you’ve made it this far, thank you. As we reflect on all that unfolded in 2025, we are deeply aware that none of it would have been possible without you. Your generosity, faith in this work, and commitment to the people of Rugarika have transformed lives, strengthened families, and expanded opportunities in ways that will be felt for generations. Through moments of celebration, growth, and even loss, you stood with us. Because of you, dignity was restored, skills were learned, futures were reshaped, and hope continued to rise. Thank you for being an essential part of the GIFTS Rwanda family and for carrying this mission forward with us. We look ahead with gratitude and purpose, excited to continue this journey together in 2026 and beyond. 
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